Brain Rot: Internet addictionBrain Rot: Internet addiction
All In The Mind
Plenty of people will say they are addicted to the internet. But how well-recognised, scientifically, is an addiction … to your screen? In episode four of Brain Rot, we dig into how behavioural addictions work. And we hear from self-described internet addicts about the treatment programs helping them manage their relationship with technology. This episode originally aired on Brain Rot, a series of the ABC podcast Science Friction. Sana will be back with all-new episodes of All in the Mind in mid-October. Guests: Jillian and Kate Internet and Technology Addiction Anonymous members Hilarie Cash Psychologist and Co-Founder, reSTART Anna Lembke Professor of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine Anastasia Hronis Clinical Psychologist; Author, The Dopamine Brain Dar Meshi Associate Professor, Michigan State University Credits: Presenter: Ange Lavoipierre Producer: Fiona Pepper Senior Producer: James Bullen Sound Engineer: Tim Symonds This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar peoples. More Information: Changes and correlates of screen time in adults and children during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta analysis — eClinical Medicine, 2022. Internet-addicted South Korean children sent to digital detox boot camp. The Dopamine Brain — Anastasia Hronis. Everyone is on their phones. But are we actually addicted? The Guardian, 2024. Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous. Dopamine Nation — Anna Lembke. Inside the rehab saving young men from their internet addiction — The Guardian, 2017 Other episodes related to focus and our relationship with smart phones: When doom scrolling leads to actual harm Should you do a 'dopamine detox'? Sick of scrolling? Digital minimalism could help Fighting for focus in the age of distraction You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. If you'd like to access the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.
29:31•4 Oct 2025
Brain Rot: Internet addiction
What drives someone to seek a life without the constant buzz of notifications and screen time? In this captivating episode of 'All In The Mind,' we dive into the complex issue of internet addiction. The discussion kicks off with the thought-provoking question: how would you feel if you left your phone at home for a day?
This sets the stage for an exploration into the phenomenon of internet addiction, a term often used but not yet officially recognised as a medical condition. The episode features conversations with Jillian and Kate, members of Internet and Technology Addiction Anonymous, who candidly share their struggles with screen overuse and how it eerily mirrored their previous battles with substance addiction.
Jillian, a recovering alcoholic, recounts how her initial innocent online activities spiralled into an all-consuming obsession, while Kate shares her struggle with sleep deprivation due to excessive screen time. Renowned psychologist and co-founder of reSTART, Hilarie Cash, provides expert insights into the nature of behavioural addictions, while Anna Lembke, a professor of psychiatry and addiction medicine at Stanford University, argues that digital media addiction is real, despite its absence from official diagnostic manuals.
The episode also highlights the importance of support groups like Internet and Technology Addiction Anonymous (ITAA) in helping individuals manage their tech use and regain control over their lives. So, how can you tell if your screen time is crossing the line into addiction? And what steps can you take to reclaim your time and well-being? Dive into this engaging episode to find out more about the impact of our digital habits and explore ways to manage them effectively.
Could this be the nudge you need to reassess your relationship with technology? Tune in to find out. {
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